Do the usual boring black-and-white squares not perform? How about creating unusual and attractive QR codes to stand out? Here are tips, tools, and samples.
Today, QR codes are no longer a gimmick. They do not catch people’s eye like before. So it will take more than a simple black and white square to attract a client’s attention to your product or promo.
And this is where the designer comes in. Today, creating fancy QR codes is called quick response art. You can make QR codes look whatever you like. They can be delicious:
Or playful:
Or extravagant:
5 rules to make your QR code scannable
You want your customers to scan QR codes, not just admire them, right? Then keep in mind the following tips.
Keep them square
Fancy designs will undoubtedly make your QR code different, but they can also make it hardly recognizable to the human eye.
If you want your QR code to stand out, try changing the color or adding a logo or image. A call to action also works well. But it’s better to keep the square shape, as it’s familiar to the eye.
Do not overdesign
The main thing is to keep your QR code recognizable and readable. Sometimes, designers get too creative.
Also, remember that phones are almost like people. Some models easily recognize unusual codes, some don’t. So, test your codes on different phones.
Dark code, light background
Think twice if you think inverting colors is a great design feature. It often makes QR codes unscannable.
If there’s no other way, and you have to show your QR code on a dark background, make at least 1 pixel-width solid border around the code.
Mind the contrast
Another important aspect of code readability is contrast. Make sure that your code stands out from the background.
Do not overload your QR code
It can be tempting to include as much information as possible in your QR code, but this doesn’t benefit the functionality either. The more pixels a code has, the harder it is to scan.
And what’s worse, they won’t work or people will get unreadable scan results.
Static and dynamic QR codes
QR codes can be static or dynamic. Dynamic QR codes are editable. They can track data and take less time to scan. So, stick with dynamic ones if you want to make the most of your QR code.
Use dynamic QR codes if you need to create multiple ad campaigns without having to reprint and redeploy the code with retargeting users and tracking & analytics.
Use static QR codes to
- share a simple link
- display simple text, a coupon code, or a serial number
- automatically generate ready-to-send email
- craft a vCard
- quickly share Wi-Fi credentials
If you want to learn more about static and dynamic QR codes, read here.
6 online tools to generate QR codes
Whatever type of QR code you want to create, today, you do not even need to be a programmer to do it. Here are some tools to help you create custom QR codes without coding. Additionally, you can use data protection for each of them. This will help keep your data safe.
QR TIGER
This QR code generator is one of the most user-friendly software programs for creating fancy QR codes for personal and professional use. You can add text information or URLs, photos, MP3 songs, and YouTube videos.
Static QR codes are free. The trial pro version allows up to 3 free dynamic codes with a limit of 500 scans and a QR TIGER logo pop-up. Pricing starts at $7/month and includes up to 12 codes, Canva integration and 500 API requests.
QRTY
An intuitive QR code generator, which works like a construction kit. It lets you create static and dynamic QR codes in 5 easy steps. You can encrypt a website, vCard, PDF, images, videos, apps, and menus in your code.
Great tool but the price is €200/year with no alternatives. Only a test plan for €0.50 for 14 days.
Uniqode
Uniqode, formerly known as Beaconstac, stands out as the leading QR code solution according to G2 ratings. While you can generate a personalized static QR code for free on their website, I highly recommend trying out their free trial to unlock the full range of features.
With Uniqode, the QR codes you create are dynamic, allowing you to modify the destination URL later on. Additionally, you gain access to insightful metrics including scan counts, device types, and geographical data. One particularly useful feature is the integration with Google Analytics, enabling you to analyze QR code performance alongside other traffic sources like referrals and direct visits.
QRcodemonkey
A popular QR code generator with millions of users. High-res static QR codes with great possibilities for customization and 100% free even for commercial use. If you need dynamic codes, it will offer you to switch to QR Code Generator.
QR Code Generator
One of the oldest QR-code generators with thousands of customers in over 160 countries. You can create vCard and email QR codes, and much more.
The service provides a 14-day free trial with all the features available on paid plans. The Starter plan will cost you €5/month (billed annually). It includes 2 dynamic codes and 10,000 scans.
Visualead
A well-rounded tool that lets you create QR codes for any purpose. The developers brag that their QR codes deliver from 50 to 400 percent more leads and social engagement than other similar tools. The code editor features a large gallery of images (including animated ones) that you can use as fancy backgrounds for your codes.
You can generate up to 3 static codes with Visualead ads for free. Pro plans start at $7.52/month for 5 dynamic codes with up to 1,000 scans each.
Eye-catching QR codes to inspire you
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